Part 44 (1/2)

CHAPTER XXVI

THE EVIDENCE AGAINST THEM

Fortunately a loose brick lay handy and with this d.i.c.k smashed out the panes of gla.s.s in the cellar window. Another window was opposite, and this he likewise demolished. At once a current of pure air swept through the place.

”Hold him up to the window,” said d.i.c.k as he staggered around. And he and Sam raised Tom up as best they could.

”If we could only get outside,” mumbled Sam. His head was aching worse than ever.

”I'll see what I can do,” answered his oldest brother, and stumbled up the narrow stairs. To his joy, the door above leading to the kitchen of the house was unfastened.

Not without great labor did the two brothers carry Tom to the floor above. Then they went after Stanley, who was conscious, but too weak to walk. As they stumbled around they sent several empty liquor bottles spinning across the floor, and one was smashed into pieces.

”I wish I knew how to revive him,” said d.i.c.k as he and Sam placed Tom near the open doorway. ”Wonder if there is any water handy?”

”Oh, my poor head!” came from Stanley. ”I feel as if I had been drinking for a month!”

”Wonder what it was?” murmured Sam. ”I--I can't make it out at all.”

”Nor I,” added d.i.c.k. ”But come, we must do what we can for Tom.” And he commenced to loosen his unconscious brother's tie and collar.

Suddenly a form darkened the outer doorway of the kitchen, and to the surprise of the boys Professor Abner Sharp showed himself. He was accompanied by Professor Blackie.

”Ha! So we have caught you, have we?” cried Professor Sharp, in tones of evident satisfaction. ”Nice doings, these, for students of Brill.

Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?” And he glared maliciously at the Rovers and Stanley Browne.

”Oh, Professor, can you--er--help us?” murmured Stanley. ”We--er--are in a lot of trouble.”

”So I see,” answered Abner Sharp chillily. ”Nice doings, I declare!

Don't you think so?” he added to the other professor.

”It is too bad,” murmured Professor Blackie. ”I thought them all rather nice lads.”

d.i.c.k's head was still dizzy, so he could not catch the import of the professor's words. He continued to work over Tom, who just then opened his eyes.

”Gi--give me a--a drink!” murmured poor Tom. His throat seemed to be on fire.

”Not another drop!” shouted Professor Sharp. ”Not one! This is disgraceful! Look at what they have been drinking already!” And he pointed to the bottles scattered around.

”Say! What's the matter with you?” asked Sam, sleepily and angrily. He was doing his best to pull his wits together, and thus overcome the effects of the strange vapor.

”There is nothing the matter with me!” roared Professor Sharp ”The matter is with you, Rover. You have been drinking too much.”

”Me? Drinking?” stammered Sam, ”No, sir!”

”Rover, you may as well admit it,” came from Professor Blackie. ”It is a sad state of affairs.”

”But I haven't been drinking.”